Scientists monitoring the crater around-the-clock saw rocks being ejected from the vent during the explosion.

Some blocks were blasted to the rim of the crater 230 feet above the vent.

The other big issue from Halema'uma'u is the sulfur dioxide emissions in the air that caused officials to shut down the park for two days.

"The trades were beginning to build over higher elevations, and so the east winds started to move," said Cindy Orlando, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park superintendent. "And we were pretty much back to normal levels."

Cindy adds:"They were lined up at 10 a.m. when they got the word."

The Halema'uma'u viewing area and Front Country Trail remain closed.

Park officials are considering extending the visitor center and museum hours to better accommodate the crowds coming to view the plumes.

Hawai'i county civil defense received reports of ash falling in the Pahala District due to Wednesday's explosion, suggesting that tiny fragments of rock pulverized by the explosion were carried down wind at least 19 miles to that area.

Students who survived the Florida school shooting are preparing to flood the Capitol pushing to ban the assault-style rifle used to kill 17 people, vowing to make changes in the November election if they can't...

Students who survived the Florida school shooting are preparing to flood the Capitol pushing to ban the assault-style rifle used to kill 17 people, vowing to make changes in the November election if they can't persuade lawmakers to change law now.